Some New Additions to Medical School Programs

A list of Medical School Educational Programs isbuilding up a strong knowledge base.
available in the Curriculum Directory of the AAMCMany programs introduce first year students to
(Association of American Medical Colleges) whichclinical experiences to encourage learning and
includes courses, combined degree programs andprofessional growth. Medical School programs which
clerkships. The journals of the AAMC also provide theprovide graduate medical education train students
latest information about the curriculum available andprofessionally and clinically. They are taught the
they are available in most school libraries.humane care of patients and learn to take
The AAMC Curriculum Directory has a list of theresponsibility as resident physicians as early as
medical student education programs at the 126 U.S.possible.
and 16 Canadian medical schools with the details ofThe Academic Programs of Medical Schools provide
each program. A student can not only search for thedetails about Graduate Medical Education, Graduate
required courses but he can also check out thePrograms, Postdoctoral Programs and ways of
instructional and curricular innovations. The studiescontinuing medical education. Medical School Programs
include graduation and post graduation studies inoffer education and training in many subjects of
medicine.biomedical sciences.
Intensive reviews of these educational programs andIf the university has a research campus, research
instructional methods are carried out from time toopportunities are made available to the Medical School
time by medical schools in order to encouragestudents. Some research subjects offered are
improvement of medical education. As a result, anbiochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, virology and
interdisciplinary approach to the presentation ofcellular immunology. Seminars and journal clubs have
individual course content has emerged, and theto be done in addition to course work.
functional applications of structure have gained morePostdoctoral studies are also included in the medical
emphasis.school programs. Training of postdoctoral appointees
Medical school students have more opportunities forhas been a part of the program in recent years. A list
independent study and the coursework can beof seminars is offered for them so that they can
elective. An interesting development in the curriculumhear about the research studies of their peers and
has been the individual approach, whereby separatealso get feedback from experts and professors
learning tracks of varying durations have beenregarding further studies.
established at various schools. This approach hasA very recent addition to the medical school program
subsequently been adapted by most of the medicalhas been spirituality. The School of Medicine and
schools and has been integrated in their program.Biomedical Sciences at UB is introducing it in their
The main aim of any Medical School Program is tocurriculum from this fall semester. The program
turn out ethical and culturally competent physicians.manager feels that this subject will enable the medical
Excellence in medical education is of primeschool students to understand patients better by
importance, and that is why the program includesunderstanding their culture, religious beliefs and
acquisition of clinical skills, professional attitudes andend-of-life issues.